Kristin O’Neill helps Montreal clinch playoff berth after PHWL win over New York | CBC Sports

Kristin O’Neill had a goal and an assist in helping lead Montreal to a 5-2 win over New York and clinch a playoff berth in the Professional Women’s Hockey League on Wednesday.

Catherine Daoust, Catherine Dubois, Laura Stacey and Melodie Daoust, with an empty-netter, also scored for Montreal. Ann-Renee Desbiens made 31 saves.

Marie-Philip Poulin picked up one assist to move past Toronto’s Natalie Spooner for top spot in the PWHL scoring race with 22 points.

WATCH | Montreal secures playoff spot with win over New York:

Ella Shelton and Alexandra Labelle, with a short-handed effort, scored for New York (3-4-3-11). Corinne Schroeder stopped 20 shots.

The loss eliminated New York from playoff contention in the six-team league.

New York failed to capitalize on its power play, coming up empty on three opportunities in the first period and finishing the game 0-for-5. Montreal was 2-for-4 with the extra player.

WATCH | Catherine Daoust scores from half-line for 1st PWHL marker:

Montreal’s Daoust scores from centre ice for 1st PWHL goal

Montreal defender Catherine Daoust’s shot takes an unusual bounce off the glass and goes in for her first career PWHL goal.